If this is your first visit to Florida waters, please be aware that these docile, slow moving creatures – unlike their acrobatic cousins, the dolphins – cannot avoid your vessel, even at idle speed. Keeping a sharp lookout for manatee is really the only way to prevent hitting them.

The Captain of the Port advises all mariners operating in Florida’s waters that the Florida Manatee is a protected marine mammal under State and Federal Law. These protected species are known to inhabit the Lower St Johns River between the months of March and December. The Captain of the Port Jacksonville advises that all vessel crews be aware of the existence of the Florida Manatee during river transits. Vessel crews post adequate lookouts for these protected mammals when maneuvering near berths and in shallow areas. Should an incident occur, notify Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC), Law Enforcement Division at 888-404-3922.